Flex handle for a power tool

Abstract

A vibration absorbing handle for a power tool includes a monolithic, elastomeric outer gripping member having affixed and extending therein an elongated, hollow support member and a first mounting member for connection to a tool housing, the outer gripping member forming an annular flange between the hollow support member and the mounting member, the flange and outer gripping member providing flexibility and vibration absorption.

Having described the invention, what is claimed is: 
     
       1. A vibration absorbing handle for a power tool comprising: (a) an elongated gripping member having a longitudinal axis of symmetry, a first end, a second end, and an inner bore coaxial with said axis, said bore forming an opening at said first end and extending substantially the length of said gripping member;   (b) an elongated, hollow tubular support member affixed in said bore, extending coaxially along said axis, said support member having an inner end adjacent said first end of said gripping member and an outer end adjacent said second end of said gripping member;   (c) a first mounting means for connecting said gripping member to a power tool, said mounting means affixed in said bore, at said first end of said gripping member, said mounting means extending coaxially along said axis, said mounting means being spaced from said inner end of said support member; and   (d) said gripping member being a monolithic elastomeric body covering said support member and said first mounting means, said gripping member forming a flexible flange in said bore, said flange extending radially with respect to said axis and said flange positioned between, and in contact with said support member and said first mounting means.   
     
     
       2. The handle of claim 1 further including a second mounting means for connecting said first mounting means to said housing, said second mounting means being an elongated support stud, connected at one end to said housing and connected at a second end to said first mounting means, said support stud extending axially along said axis a substantial length of said support member. 
     
     
       3. The handle of claim 2 wherein said stud is spaced from an inner wall of said tubular support means a sufficient distance to permit a slight flex in the handle gripping member before contacting said support means. 
     
     
       4. The handle of claim 3 wherein said stud is threadably connected to said housing. 
     
     
       5. The handle of claim 4 wherein said stud is threadably connected to said first mounting means. 
     
     
       6. A vibration absorbing handle for a power tool comprising: (a) an elongated gripping member having a longitudinal axis of symmetry, a first end, a second end, and an inner bore coaxial with said axis, said bore forming an opening at said first end and extending substantially the length of said gripping member;   (b) an elongated, hollow tubular support member affixed in said bore, extending coaxially along said axis, said support member having an inner end adjacent said first end of said gripping member and an outer end adjacent said second end of said gripping member;   (c) a first mounting means for connecting said gripping member to a power tool, said mounting means affixed in said bore, at said first end of said gripping member, said mounting means extending coaxially along said axis, said mounting means being spaced from said inner end of said support member;   (d) said gripping member being a monolithic elastomeric body covering said support member and said first mounting means, said gripping member forming a flexible flange in said bore, said flange extending radially with respect to said axis and said flange positioned between, and in contact with said support member and said first mounting means; and   (e) second mounting means for connecting said first mounting means to said housing, said second mounting means being an elongated support stud, connected at one end to said housing and connected at a second end to said first mounting means, said support stud extending axially along said axis a substantial length of said support member.